Catfish

ID points

• Several pairs of long barbels around the mouth, like a cat's whiskers
• No scales; smooth skin covered in mucus
• Flattened head and wide mouth; swims slowly along the bottom

Basics

Family

Siluriformes

Length

30–120 cm

Depth

0-30 m

Regions

Indo-Pacific reefs · Caribbean & W. Atlantic · Estuary & freshwater

Distribution

On the bottom of freshwater rivers and lakes worldwide

Habitat

Bottom of freshwater rivers and lakes

Diet

Fish, benthic invertebrates

Easily confused with

LungfishPectoral and pelvic fins reduced to four thin filamentsFlatheadHead extremely flat and broad, with the eyes on topToadfishBig flat head and wide mouth, shaped like a toad

Fun fact

A catfish is covered in taste buds, not just inside the mouth but over the whole of its skin, so it can taste the water it swims through. That makes it one of the most sensitive fish in the world.